Choose Strong

This episode is the LIVE show we recorded in celebration of the Choose Strong Podcast 1M plays! Some of the highlights of this episode are:

* A friendly Q&A with the kid listeners resulting in parent push-ups.

* Pass, Gap, Bury background & Choose Strong Community examples in action

* Tons of Live Chat Room Q&As from race tips, Sally McRae Strength App, favorite cereal, and tips for training for an ultra.

* AND, special guest appearances by the McRae kids and our dog, Bear.

Thanks again for joining us on this episode, wether you joined us live or are listening to the recorded episode. We hope you were able to laugh a little and be encouraged by this episode.

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

In this episode we chat about the importance and value of your work towards a goal. Sally gives examples and insight on using the failures of coming up short of your A goal, to propel you forward as you reach your B goal, and why that matters. Sally also touches on the importance of consistent work, as well as how you continue on when you know your A goal is unattainable.

We also give an update on Sally's Western States 100 training, Spring Break, and Eddie's marathon recovery.

Lastly, be sure to listen in on how to enter the giveaway in our celebration of 1 million plays!! THANK YOU for listening!!

Fan Mail Address: 6771 Warner PO BOX 2051 Huntington Beach CA 92647

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

In this episode, Sally sits down with her friends, Billy Yang and Jason Koop! Sally has been fortunate enough to call Jason her coach this past year & she thought it was fitting to sit down with him to chat about all things coaching.

Jason is the head coach of CTS Ultrarunning with 20+ years of coaching experience. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the science of running and programming, but in this episode, Sally draws out the character, personality and passion, that is behind "Coach Koop".

You will be encouraged as you hear how Jason got started in coaching, his background, the emphasis that he places on relationships when coaching and insights of how he approaches each athlete, uniquely, when programing their training plan.

Connect with Jason:

In this episode we recap the BUSY marathon weekend from bib pick-up at the LA Marathon expo, Isaiah's 16th birthday party, Makenzie's late night race at Sound Running and the play by play of Eddie's marathon debut!

Also, listen in as Sally shares how we all interact with pain differently and how important it is to not give it attention. She also shares how we have the freedom/choice to determine our race goals and the amazing things we can accomplish when we choose to push through discomfort.

We hope you are encouraged!

Fan Mail Address: 6771 Warner PO BOX 2051 Huntington Beach CA 92647 All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

In this episode Sally and Eddie sit down to answer your questions about being a Mom & balancing motherhood/parenthood while working and training. Listen in as Sally shares stories and experiences that will inspire and encourage you as you navigate this season of your life!

If you wish to send Sally mail, you can send it here:

6771 Warner Ave.

P.O. Box 2051

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

Join Sally as she interviews the talented Drew Darby, who you might already know because he’s filmed and produced her last 4 documentaries!

Follow Drew on IG: @drewdarby

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

Join Eddie & Sally for a solid chat over coffee as they dive deep into what it takes to overcome limitations. They also answer community questions and banter about running, work, & life.

All links, discounts, and ways to support the podcast are here.

THE STRONG LOVE GIVEAWAY IS UNDERWAY FOR FEBRUARY! +WIN 1 OF 10 HATS: SALLY'S YELLOW CHOOSE STRONG HAT +WIN 1 OF 2 BARE PERFORMANCE NUTRITION: SALLY'S STACK +WIN 1 OF 2 MAMMOTH TRAIL FEST 50K ENTRIES: SEPTEMBER 2024 +WIN 1 OF 2 DO THE WORK PACKAGES: SWEATSHIRT, SHIRT, STICKERS, ETC TOTAL OF 16 PRIZES! WIN BY FOLLOWING THE CHOOSE STRONG PODCAST INSTAGRAM AND TAGGING TWO FRIENDS! We dive into Eddie's Half-Marathon at the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach where he surprised himself running 90 seconds faster per mile than he expected to...and "felt great!" We talk about how fitness and the power of consistently training over time to make big gains. Support the podcast here by purchasing the Choose Strong book, app, or merchandise!

Sponsors:

Join Eddie and Sally as they share about training through discomfort; patient building when you don't feel good; and tracking success even when it feels slow.

We answer your questions about training for the mountains and hills when you live in a flat area; running alone on the trails; fueling and overall nutrition and more!

Links Discussed in the Podcast:

Fear and People Pleasing are some of the top reasons people either don't start or stop pursuing a goal. Listen as Eddie and Sally break down the 2023 year and vulnerably share stories from this year of having to overcome fear and people pleasing. The information in this podcast is for everyone and can be applied to any goal you're working toward!

Thank you for supporting Sally and Eddie this year as they expanded the podcast, Sally's YouTube channel; released a book and released 3 race documentaries. We know we couldn't have done it without you.

As always, we appreciate every thoughtful review and 5-star rating; if you have a moment, please leave one for us!

Building toward a goal is filled with challenges and setbacks. Listen as Sally shares vital stories from her life that helped her achieve more than she thought was possible. We guarantee this episode will be filled with takeaways for everyone!

Western States, Wild Goals, & Marathons are just a few of the topics covered in this episode. Sally also breaks down your questions and shares some insight about her journey to becoming a professional athlete.

You'll smile and belly laugh while listening to this episode- as always we hope you just imagine yourself sitting at the table with Eddie and Sally as they banter and share hilarious stories in between the encouraging stuff.

Please take a moment and give a 5 star rating (and a review if you have time), every download and rating matters!

Interested in running a 200 mile race? Listen as Eddie and Sally break down four 200 mile races and what it was like to experience them both from a runner and crew standpoint. This informative podcast will help you better understand the 200+ mile events; the overall investment (time and money), aid stations, rules, terrain, experience and so much more. We highly recommend you pass this podcast onto anyone you know who is considering running the 200 mile distance.

In this episode, Eddie and Sally discuss the Grand Slam of 200s which includes the following races:

COCODONA 250

TAHOE 200

BIGFOOT 200

MOAB 240

Note this is the FIRST in a TWO PART SERIES about the 200s. In Episode #38 Sally will be putting on her coach's hat and guiding you in how to successfully train and run a 200 mile race (fitness, training, gear, sleep strategies, pacing, and more!)

Mojo, Music, and Making Goals- Eddie and Sally sit down with a pot of coffee, a plate of cookies and YOU! Don't miss this colorful, heartfelt, and comical episode about training, life and goal chasing; we guarantee you'll be encouraged.

Consider supporting Eddie and Sally's work by downloading the

Curious about what it takes to train and race for a trail/ultra race? Join Sally & Eddie on this discussion about her first years as a rookie runner; and the journey she took to understanding how to train, eat, pick gear, and prepare for a race.

A staple in the Choose Strong Podcast is listening to your questions and answering them here! We love to hear from you and often, many of you have the same questions! Join Eddie and Sally as they sift through a balance of both deep and light hearted questions. We know you'll enjoy this episode! Thank you for listening!

In part 2 of the Mental Game, Sally discusses three critical factors that destroy our mindset both in everyday life and racing. Grab a pen & paper for this one- you’ll want to take notes!

Mental toughness, fortitude, and overcoming. What & How you think has the power to crush you or strengthen you no matter the season/situation in life. Listen to the start of this multi-series episode and leave encouraged & inspired to work on your mental game.

Hellah Sidibe aka HELLAHGOOD on social media is well known globally not only for his incredible run streak (since 2017) but for his relentless light and positivity. I was so honored to sit down with my good friend and listen to him share about his upbringing, his soccer career that ended up brining him to running; and his first experience running Western States 100.

Sally answers your questions with candid responses and encouraging insight.

We did it- Sally's first 200+ mile race is complete and we have a solid 3 hour episode to break it all down. You'll want to save this for your extra long run or to power you through the next few days as every segment is insightful and encouraging. As with all our episodes, we hope you find strength and encouragement for your own journey in what we have to share. You'll hear the background leading up to the race, the challenges Sally faced, why she chose to wear that green suit and sun hat with the mouth shield; and what it felt like to push through feet wounds for more than 80 hours. And....YES, you'll be entertained again by Eddie's presence and lighthearted insight on what it was like to crew his first 250 mile race! There's something for everyone in this episode and we thank you advance for the ratings and comments.

Get ready for an hour of entertainment & a whole lot of inspiration as Eddie and Sally talk about the build up to the first of 4, 200 mile races this year…building a team, crewing, and of course choosing strong! We want to thank YOU for your support and being a part of the community!

Today I sit down with Mac Jackson - a new runner in the ultra world who recently crushed his first 100 mile race in under 20 hours. Mac talks about juggling life as a husband, father, and career man while fitting in the training. Be sure to give Mac a follow @Maction17 on IG!

We want to thank you for listening, sharing and supporting our channel. Be sure to check us out at the following media outlets:

Are you frustrated with your training or tired of people saying you are training wrong?

In this special episode, Sally shares her personal story of overcoming self-doubt and a sea of critics to fulfill a childhood dream of becoming a professional athlete. We guarantee you will be encouraged and inspired by this episode no matter where you are in your dream journey- running or not.

Episode Topics:

1. The foundation of customized training and letting go of the "perfect way to train."

2. Why blanket statements, even from so called "experts" should be taken lightly.

3. Sally's personal story from young mother of two, in debt, and carving her own path to be a pro athlete.

4. Using your powerful mind, research and discernment to carve your own path.

5. Only you can work on your dreams.

6. The words you need to hear today.

7. Choose Strong.

Tim Tollefson is one of the most well known and accomplished American ultra runners in the world. Since signing his first pro contract 9 years ago, Tim has powered his way up mountains and varied terrain to stand on podiums all over the world, including the most competitive of them UTMB, where he twice placed 3rd as well as 2nd in the CCC. In addition to a long list of 1st place finishes, Tim is well known and loved in the ultra community simply for who he is as a person. Last year, Tim shared a raw and personal story of struggle, which I highly recommend you check out (link below) and he created and launched the first ever MAMMOTH TRAIL FEST (which happens to be smack in the middle of my favorite mountain range, Eastern Sierra). Check out the details of the trail fest and sign up today! It's a once in a lifetime experience that you don't want to miss! (Eddie and I plan to be there this year!)

In this episode, we discuss:

-Tim's start in sports, growing up in both Minnesota and California

-His transition from soccer to running and then to the trails

When Drew Darby and Tyler McCain were tasked with filming the CHOOSE STRONG PROJECT they had little knowledge of what they were getting into. In this episode you will learn how these two creators took big risks, overcame personal fears, and pushed beyond their limits to capture a story that has impacted thousands of people around the world. 

If you haven't heard of the power team that is Heather Jackson and Wattie yet, be prepared to add them to your "most inspirational" list of people. For 15 years Heather has crushed the Triathlon scene; a career that was lovingly encouraged by her husband, Sean Watkins. Known for her giant smile, disciplined training and relentless optimism, Heather is forging ahead to test herself in new ways in 2023! We are so excited for our community to hear this podcast because you will undoubtedly walk away with a smile and great inspiration for whatever goal you're chasing; you'll also be encouraged to give thanks for the incredible people who support you in your life- they are gold!

Topics Covered in our Conversation:

+Heather's start in endurance sports from soccer, ice hockey to triathlon; and how she excelled in all of them.

+The day Heather and Wattie met and how it changed both their lives.

+Heather's wild year of racing and her decision to race her very first ultra Javelina 100 just 2 weeks after racing Ironman World Championship in Kona

+How Wattie and Heather fast-tracked into learning about crewing, pacing, and nutrition with just a handful of days to prepare for race day.

+Heather's incredible, gutsy performance and sub-16 hour 100 mile finish!

Sally hosts this episode solo and breaks down her thoughts on how to stay motivated. She also talks about the Choose Strong 30 Challenge and gives a quick life update on family, her book, moving, and her big goal for 2023.

-We often say, we are capable of more than we know, but how will we ever know what that looks like, unless we try. As Sally stood at the Start of Race #4 in the ChooseStrong Project, she was feeling the effects of racing 3 massive races in the previous 8 weeks. She chose the word GRATITUDE as her focus word and despite the grueling course, found her way to the Finish line once again.

-Topics Covered in this Podcast:

+The Swiss Alps and Racing WildStrubel UTMB 108k

+Training and Recovery on a tired body- Tips and Advice on Staying Healthy

+Mindset in training and racing in the face of a challenge

+The surprising wild adventure that took place after crossing the finish line

+And of course bantering, raw insights, and maybe a few seconds of singing by Eddie and Sally

Sally knew as she hit the "SUBMIT REGISTRATION" button that Leadville 100 would be especially challenging for her as an athlete. This 100 mile, extreme high altitude race already poses a challenge for anyone not acclimated to altitude, and with Sally's lifelong issues with being able to breathe in and out fully, this course would undoubtedly test her mentally to keep going even when she didn't feel strong.

In this episode, we detail Sally's prep going into the race; how her team kept her moving; the mental tricks and wisdom Sally applied during crucial situations; and why this race was strategically put as #3 of 6 in The Choose Strong Project. The episode wraps up with some firm and encouraging advice to listeners to look their struggles square in the eye and embrace them.

We want to personally thank you for choosing to download and listen to our podcast. We greatly appreciate this community and love hearing from you! Thanks for the incredible reviews!

The World's Toughest Footrace starts at Badwater Basin in California, 282 feet below sea level and travels 135 miles, over 3 mountain passes; ending at Mount Whitney Portal (the entrance to the tallest mountain in the lower 48 States). The race is known for it's extreme heat and harsh conditions with temperatures reaching close to 130F. Over a decade ago, Sally crafted a goal for herself to win the race, which she did after her second attempt in 2021. In 2018 and 2021, Sally endured constant challenges and setbacks throughout the race, which she often describes as "lessons in strength training." Having achieved her goal in 2021, Sally decided to head back to the race with a goal greater than a podium finish.

In this podcast, Sally and I sit down to break down her reason for returning to Badwater; the role the race played in the Choose Strong Project; and how after 3 finishes, the race continues to not only humble her as an athlete but reveal to her what she is capable of accomplishing despite discomfort and setbacks.

We dive into the lead up to the race; her training; goals; and the glimmer of hope she held after the first 50 miles of the race to run the course faster than her two previous attempts. We talk about the surprising, unique challenge that popped up in the race and how she handled it and we discuss the overwhelming realization of walking the final 70 miles to get to the Finish line in 35 hours.

In this episode Sally shares about a challenging project she has been quietly working toward and how YOU can join!

+Intro to the Choose Strong Project

+The 6 races totaling 500+ miles that Sally will be racing in the next 5 months

+The reason why 2022 is the year Sally has been anticipating for more than half her life.

+How the community and how people have already been sharing their Choose Strong stories.

+Run, Hike, Ride, or Lift on July 11th as Sally tackles her 3rd Badwater 135. Do 135 miles, km, minutes, reps, etc. You pick your challenge and join Sally. Take a pic and share your story. Use hashtag #choosestrongproject #choosestrong22

Show links and Sponsors